What are some common problems with Grand Nationals?

[JaymzLD]

Im just curious about some of the most common, and even uncommon, problems that occur with Grand Nationals. Also, what are the cons of owning and maintaining one? Thank you much.

 

[Two Lane]

SEARCH FEATURE

This is just one example of what you would find by typing in:

common AND problems

in the Search feature:

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=63580&referrerid=5261

The Search feature is truly worth using!

HTH

 

[REDS HOT AIR]

2 or my biggest problems are:

1 getting someone to race it

2 getting traction

If not really modified they are very reliable

like anyother car the more power you make the more likely you are to break something

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

ive got alot of problems with traction.......

i just cant seem to get enough




biggest problem is buying the car from someone who has no clue about octane, oil, and boost-

if you purchase a turbo regal from someone, make sure that they know ahellofalot more than you do- if they own more than 3 intercooled turbo regals, then id probably buy one of their cars...


turbo regals are like GTO'S

Gas
Tires
and
Oil
be prepared to own a muscle car with technology

 

[JaymzLD]

Alright... thank you. I tried doing a search for "Common Problems with a Grand National" in all forums and nothing came up. So thank you again.

 

[UNGN]

Originally posted by JaymzLD
Alright... thank you. I tried doing a search for "Common Problems with a Grand National" in all forums and nothing came up. So thank you again.

The search feature isn't ask jeeves. Search "common problems" or just "problems" or "problem"

Also search "head gasket" , "Sensor" and "transmission" in three separate searchs. That will keep you busy for a while.

 

[Hyper]

poor tire life, I can't keep good tires on the back, even though they are 3 times wider than the fronts!!!

 

[salvageV6]

The biggest problems are owners and buyers with no clue as to how the car is performing.

Constant beating WOT on a poorly operating vehicle takes its toll.

With scantools, common sense, and normal maintenance of a factory built motor should give you very few problems.

If looking at buying your first one Kirbans book is the best way to go. Gives you all the things to look at while shopping.

I'd also go with a relatively untouched stocker. Buying a car with a rebuilt anything is always a risk if you don't know the details of how it was done and by whom.

I have daily driven one for 15 years now.

I will be for the next 15 too.

 

[87LtdT]

My biggest problem has been responsible driving...seriously.

On highway, if there is a car ahead of me I gotta catch up so I can pass it...if an 83' Ford F150 with rusted out doors pulls up next to me at a light I gotta beat him to the next light....

Something happens to me when I close the door of my Limited...feels like I grow fangs and am on the hunt....not at all the same feeling when I'm driving my S10.

I love it!!

Maintenance wise...the turn signal wiper gizmo was broken cause the previous owner kept trying to turn it the wrong way...that's it.

Bob

 

[turbofrank]

And i thought that only happen to me everytime i drive the car.

 

[Ken Cunningham]

Nobody's really tried to give you a list yet, so let me try. First, go to the www.gnttype.org site and print out the info on buying a used TR and also the Spring Cleaning info. Those docs point out all the usual culprits, such as:

Cracked driver side exhaust header.
Oil in the intercooler and up pipe (if turbo still has valve cover pipe).
Upper A arm bushing on passenger side disintegrates because of the heat of the downpipe and header.
Most TR's lack some of the body mount bushings.
Look for cracking around the driver side A and B pillars from body flex.

Not to say that the Regal is a poorly engineered car. Far from it. I'm on my 3rd TR and they are extremely reliable and a total kick in the pants to drive. But it is what it is: a muscle car. It is not a mega-buck sports car.

 

[Turbo Brian]

Here are a few more items to add to the list. Nobody has mentioned the failures in the accumulator ball and the pressure switch for the brakes. Other common problems include failure of the high speed on the blower fan (easy wiring fix). Timing chain cam gear has nylon teeth, a high mile car needs a steel timing gear set to prevent eventual failure. Stock valve springs will get tired with miles and limit performance with higher than stock boost. Stock rear main seal starts leaking with higher than stock boost.

 

[xrunner123]

My biggest problem is figuring out if I have to spend more time on the GN or my wife.

 

[Two Lane]

Put "Powermaster" in the Search feature.

HTH

 

[tracer]

rear main seal
drivers side header
T-tops (leak,squeek etc)
brake accumulator
relay for fan (drains battery)

biggest beef, too many aftermarket go fast products.....not enough time and money

 

[Roger]

Biggest PROBLEM: It's a MONEY PIT.

 

[Pitbozz]

My biggest problem is getting the big sh!t-eating grin off my face when I am driving mine!! Oh..and constantly telling morons, "No...It's not a SS!! It's a Grand National!!!!"

 

[gn4u2c]

Brake loss (at any moment)
Oil leaks (rear main)
Cracked header (about every 60-80k)
Missing bushings (any milage)
Sloppy steering over (100k)
Digital climate control (86, control unit)
New timing chain a must for (80k + cars)
Weak fuel pump and wires (upgrade right away)

and the ever popular TIRES !!! always have a spare set.

 

[Two Lane]

Factory Technical Service Bulletins (100s listed)

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=69836&referrerid=5261

You'll also need to visit the NHTSA website to get the summaries on each, and to get the complete list...a VERY VERY long list.

HTH

 

[Lee_Burough]

Can't get rid of that 'whistle' under the hood. Every time I open the hood, its gone